January 15, 2002	Tuesday	Shawwal 30, 1422

TOKYO, Jan 14: Fifty-two whales trapped in fixed fishing nets along Japanese coasts were sold in Japan after the government legalized such catches, a news report said on Monday.

“According to (Fisheries Agency) officials, 54 minke whales were ensnared in the last six months of 2001. Two of them were buried and 52 made it to market or the fishing industry in 15 prefectures,” Kyodo News agency said.

The agency changed a government rule last April so that whales ensnared in fixed fishing nets could be sold from July if the whale’s DNA was registered.—AFP